This page is part of the Guidance Document Repository (GDR).

Are you sure that animal is fit for the trip?

Your responsibility

All those involved in transporting animals must ensure that every animal being loaded is fit for the trip and treated humanely.

Only animals that are fit to handle the stress of transport may be loaded. If you are not sure, seek the advice of a veterinarian or contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) before deciding to load an animal.

A veterinarian familiar with the CFIA's Compromised Animals Policy, which provides clear guidelines for the transportation of unfit or compromised animals, may be needed to properly assess animals before loading.

Regulations for the transportation of animals

Non-ambulatory animal (unable to stand on its own)

The CFIA, with the help of other federal, provincial and territorial authorities, enforces the requirements for the transport of animals found in Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations.

The federal requirements regulate the movement of all animals by all modes of transport – land, air and sea. Some provinces have additional regulations related to animal transport. Contact your respective provincial or territorial government for further information.

Unfit animals: Do not transport

Animals that are unfit must not be transported except for treatment or diagnosis on the advice of a veterinarian. Unfit animals must be cared for and treated on farm if it is humane to do so. Animals that are unlikely to get better must either be euthanized or humanely slaughtered on site.

Note: A more extensive list of conditions describing compromised animals can be found in the CFIA's Compromised Animals Policy on the CFIA website.

Examples of special provisions include:

transporting locally and directly to the nearest suitable place where the animal can be properly cared for, humanely slaughtered, or euthanized

loading last and unloading first; and

segregation from all other animals, or penning with one familiar companion animal

To prevent animal suffering, other special provisions such as additional bedding may be required, depending on the condition of the compromised animal. Transportation of a compromised animal without special provisions that results in undue suffering is a violation of the Health of Animals Regulations.

Always contact the CFIA if you are not sure of the special provisions needed to move a compromised animal.

Animals that become unfit or compromised during the trip

Animals that become compromised or unfit during transport must be transported directly to the nearest suitable place (e.g. a veterinary hospital, farm, or slaughter plant) where the animal can receive care or be humanely slaughtered or euthanized.

An animal that cannot walk or stand must not be unloaded while conscious unless for treatment or diagnosis on the advice of a veterinarian.

Transportation practices

Practices that can help protect animals during transportation include:

using loading and unloading facilities as well as containers and transport vehicles suitable to the animals being transported